Funds for Food Purchase

Funds for Food Purchase

Posted on 05/14/2020

Eligible families, look for a mailing from the MA Department of Transitional Assistance.

Dear CPS Families -

Good news! Many Cambridge families are eligible to receive funding to pay for food through a new program called Pandemic-EBT (Pandemic Electronic Benefits Transfer), while schools are closed due to COVID-19.

Here’s what you need to know:

Am I eligible?

All students who are eligible for free- or reduced-price meals will receive P-EBT funds through the Massachusetts Department of Transitional Assistance.

How much will I receive?

Each eligible student in your household will receive $5.70 per school day that schools are closed due to COVID-19.

How do I receive funds?

You do NOT need to apply. The funds will be added to a “P-EBT card”.

If you currently receive SNAP or TAFDC benefits and have an EBT card, P-EBT funds will be added to that card.

If you do not already have an EBT card, you will receive a pre-loaded card by mail from the Massachusetts Department of Transitional Assistance to the home address you have on record with CPS.

Once you receive your P-EBT card, do not throw it away! Additional funds may be added at a later date.

When will I receive funds?

The first round of funds will be distributed in May.

How do I use the funds?

Your P-EBT card is like a debit card and can be used to purchase food items at stores that accept EBT cards. Look for signs in stores that say, “We accept EBT here!"

What about immigration status?

Using your P-EBT card does NOT impact you or your child’s immigration status. The public charge rule does NOT apply to this program. If you have questions about this, please contact the Cambridge Economic Opportunity Commission at (617.868.2900).

My family has recently lost income or jobs - Where can we find help?

There are many ways to get support.

Apply for the CPS Free- or Reduced-Price Meals program, which will allow you to be eligible for future rounds of P-EBT and other resources.
You may be eligible to receive SNAP benefits.

Call the Cambridge Community Food Line to (617.349.9155) to sign up for weekly free delivery of produce and pantry items.

More information about food pantries, delivery services, and financial assistance

Mayor’s Relief Fund: Apply by 5PM on May 15.

For questions about P-EBT, contact Project Bread at 800.645.8333.

For help with financial, housing, food, or other issues, please contact the Cambridge Economic Opportunity Commission at (617.868.2900).